Celebrate opening of ICE at Discovery Green 4 p.m. today

ON ICE: The ICE at Discovery Green Park opens Saturday through Jan. 27.

Long before my professional journalism career, I was a competitive figure skater. I had the heart, not the skill, of an Olympian, but I loved the sport. I later became a skating coach while in college, and I loved it, too.

This Saturday, I proudly celebrate the holiday season by helping kick off the opening of The ICE at Discovery Green. I’ll be the one pressing the button to turn on the holiday lights. It all starts at 4 p.m. with performances by the Houston Starz Theatre on Ice team, ice carving by Buddy “The Viking” Rasmussen, the Nutcracker’s Mouse on Ice and Houston Children’s Choir, as well as music entertainment by Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy.

At 5:45 p.m, I’ll press the button to light up the holiday light spectacular, including Art Cars, ICE lights and the ice sculpture.

The ICE at Discovery Green Park , 1500 McKinney, is sponsored by the Houston Chronicle. Some 300,000 visitors are expected to visit The ICE this season. The rink will be open daily through Jan. 27,